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The purpose of a yoga mat, which is usually made of a sticky foam material, is to prevent you from slipping and sliding around while executing various poses. The sticky yoga mat is a fairly new invention, but generations of people have done yoga using nothing more than a rug or square of carpet. If you don't have a yoga mat, don't worry. A rug works just as well, and it will allow you to do different yoga moves that tone and strengthen your entire body.

Step 1

Choose a rug that is larger then you. Because many yoga poses require you to lie down flat, make sure the rug you choose is longer than you are tall.

Step 2

Opt for a rug that has a nonslip backing, which will prevent it from moving around while you're doing yoga poses. If the rug you want to use doesn't have a nonslip backing, you can lay it over a sticky yoga mat or nonslip carpet pad, which can be cut to the same size as your rug.

Step 3

Lay the rug in your yoga workout area and pull the edges out so the rug is in an even layer without any wrinkles or folds. You'll be able to execute the yoga moves more easily and effectively if you're not uncomfortable because your rug isn't spread out right.

Step 4

Wash the rug regularly. As you do yoga, you sweat, which then gets into the fibers of the rug. Over time, the sweat can encourage bacteria to grow, which will make your rug smelly. Follow the washing instructions on the rug to be sure it's cleaned properly.

Tip

Try out several rugs if you're not partial to a specific rug. Find one that doesn't irritate your skin, make you itch or otherwise has an unpleasant feel.

Many stores that sell exercise equipment stock rugs specifically designed to be used as yoga mats. These can be a good option if you don't already have a rug in mind.

If you're worried about the toxic fumes from plastic yoga mats, cloth rugs can be a safer option.

A large blanket is another alternative to a sticky yoga mat.

References

About the Author

Sara Ipatenco has taught writing, health and nutrition. She started writing in 2007 and has been published in Teaching Tolerance magazine. Ipatenco holds a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in education, both from the University of Denver.